Superfoods are powerhouses of nutrition that deliver big results when it comes to health. From balancing hormones to fighting disease, superfoods offer many health benefits that promote overall wellbeing.
Many assume a healthy supermarket shopping trolley will cost a small fortune, but there are affordable superfoods out there – here are our top five cheapest superfoods in the UK!
1. Berries
Healthy superfoods are full of essential vitamins and minerals, but can often come at a steep cost. Luckily, there are budget friendly superfood options which offer similar nutrition without breaking the bank.
Berrys are one of the most nutritiously dense foods available and should be included in every smoothie recipe. As they contain potassium, they help lower blood pressure while supporting muscle function.
Opting for fresh berries over expensive powdered versions is both less costly and more flavorful, not to mention more beneficial in terms of antioxidant content.
Though salmon has long been celebrated as the go-to source for Omega 3s, try switching it for tinned mackerel which offers similar nutrition but at half the price.
Broccoli is a delicious vegetable packed with fiber, vitamins A, C and K and calcium; plus it counts towards one of your five-a-day. Steamed or roasted before adding it to salads or pizza/pasta dishes; broccoli is easy to grow and costs 8x less than its cousin pak choi! Give it a go today – 8 times cheaper in fact!
2. Quinoa
Many health foods come with the label of being superfoods, yet can come at an exorbitant cost. Here are a few healthier and cost-efficient eating staples:
Quinoa has earned superfood status due to its protein-rich and disease-fighting antioxidant content. Use quinoa in salads or as an alternative to rice in curries!
Beetroot is an incredible source of potassium, folate, magnesium and iron. Additionally, its distinctive purple hue comes from betaine pigment which aids cardiovascular health by maintaining proper blood pressure levels and helping with overall heart wellness.
Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse and one of the best sources of Vitamin C we can find, making it a fantastic addition to salads, stir fries and even smoothies. Plus, one entire bag costs only 53p and counts towards your five-a-day!
Salmon is an excellent source of Omega 3 essential fatty acids, but for those on a budget looking for alternatives consider tinned mackerel instead as it provides similar nutrition at half the price.
3. Watercress
Although many health foods come at a premium, you can still fill your trolley with superfoods without breaking your budget. Start by visiting the produce section in your supermarket to look for produce that is in season and more likely to have come directly from local farmers rather than having been imported from overseas.
Summertime is when peppery watercress thrives. Watercress is a nutritional powerhouse and packed full of disease-fighting vitamins like A, C, E and K along with folate, calcium and iron for maximum disease prevention.
Try adding Watercress or Purple Asparagus Wonton Soup as an inspired twist to any salad or stir fry for an uplifting dinner option. Watercress brings international flavors right into your own kitchen with its vibrant hues, making an amazing combination.
Broccoli is another affordable superfood packed with antioxidants, potassium, Vitamin A & C and fibre. In particular, broccoli contains anthocyanin pigments – the same pigments which give beetroot its distinctive colour – which provide powerful protection from chronic diseases.
4. Apples
Healthy superfoods pack an impressive nutritional punch without breaking the bank. While organic produce may be worth investing in, many other nutrient powerhouses may actually save money if purchased wisely. Check out Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists (which show which produce has more or fewer pesticides), or visit your local farmers market to save yourself some cash when purchasing healthy superfoods.
No matter if it’s for snacking on an afternoon high-sugar treat or adding extra nutrition to lunchtime meals, there are numerous affordable superfood solutions to consider – you just need to know where to look! Below are some of the UK’s most cost-effective superfoods you should keep an eye out for.
5. Chia
Chia seeds have become one of the most sought-after superfoods, for good reason: they’re virtually tasteless, digestible (when prepared correctly) and packed with nutrients – including calcium and protein! One study suggests that eating chia could even help prevent or reverse diabetes!
Chia can be enjoyed in smoothies, soups and as an egg substitute; but its most beloved form is in pudding form. Just mix 1/4 cup of seeds in with liquid for 15 minutes in the refrigerator before setting into gelatinous pudding form – ideal as an indulgent or nutritious treat that makes an excellent breakfast, snack or treat!
Superfoods can be an easy and affordable way to add essential vitamins and minerals into your diet. Try some from your Pikt Fresh box to see how they make you feel!
Marcus is a journalist and urban enthusiast specializing in nightlife, food culture, and emerging creative scenes. He enjoys capturing the essence of city life through its people and places.
